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editor's note

Tanya Chaitanya (Editor Femina India)

For every doubting Thomas who tells you women can’t scale mountains, wrestle in the ring, endure physical hardship, your comeback should be a simple hashtag:#StandStrong.
There’s no bigger retaliation than success, they say. So show your calibre to these detractors or anybody who believes that we, as women, lack the potential to be physically as fit as men by being just that. Not to say that it will be an easy process.
The conditioning that we are not at par physically starts early. From the time we are offered a hand to bring down the cookie jar to when we are told not to lift too heavy a weight; when the sports selectors in schools bypass promising girl children or when the male friends refuse to count us in in any serious hiking plans—that feeling of being physically less is ingrained right from the beginning.
So how is it that we witness sportswomen like Mary Kom packing a punch in the arena or a badminton champ like PV Sindhu physically pushing herself to the limits? Or the fact that celebs like Jacqueline Fernandez, Taapsee Pannu, Katrina Kaif swear by their fitness routine and are known to train for longer hours than their male counterparts?
Then again look beyond these superwomen. Look around you. There are regular women storming into male bastions, physically-challenging professions and pursuits, and coming out triumphant. This new-found confidence comes with taking care of yourself, being cognizant of the fact that our body needs to be given TLC, from the right diet and nutrition to exercise and care to help us stand strong.
This is when I raise a toast: Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them!

Post pregnancy workouts to lose belly fat

Giving birth can be one of the most joyous moments in life. You look at your little sweetheart feeling blessed each day. However, getting back to the daily routine can be challenging, especially when it comes to working out and building the stamina that you once had. After speaking to your doctor, figure out when you should be hitting the gym again. You can then work your way up these levels to get rid of the post-pregnancy belly fat:

Beginner’s Level:These are basic exercises to get your abdominal muscles moving again and can be conducted as early as two weeks post-delivery.Belly breathing- Breathing deeply daily for 30 seconds or so allows your stomach to expand and contract and for your stomach to be stretched out well. Pelvic tilt- You can do this while lying on the floor with your knees bent. Inhale and rest your palms by your side. As you exhale, draw in your abs and tuck your pelvis in, squeezing your glutes. Hold for at least 5 seconds before releasing.

Intermediate Level:You’re ready to take on more challenging moves a month or two post-delivery with these exercises.Forearm plank- To engage your entire core area, get into a plank position with your forearms resting on the floor. Keep your back straight and tighten your abs as you hold this position for 30 seconds.Side plank- Give some variation to the basic plank by shifting your body to the side, leaning on your right elbow. Stack your legs on top of each other and keep your body aligned, as you hold this position for 30 seconds. Add 10-15 leg lifts to further build strength.

Advanced Level:This would be your normal workout routine which you can typically get back to six months post-delivery.Wide stance deadlifts: You will hold a lightweight dumbbell weighing about 2kg in each hand. Stand with your legs hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. While keeping your glutes tight, lower your body to shin level, pointing your dumbbells to the ground. Slowly, return to your standing position.